A group of surnames are the so-called regional names—those names that indicate a families point of origin. You will also find these names in English surnames (e.g. French = from France) and in German surnames (e.g. Berliner = from Berlin). They are all nicknames although they in some way also are related to habitation names.

The Danish population is a mixture of a number of different national and cultural groups due to a rather significant immigration to Denmark over the centuries. Some came from neighbouring countries—Sweden, Norway, Germany etc.—on their own, with their family, or in groups, wishing to build a future in Denmark. Some were invited to settle by the Danish King and Government while others came as refugees; Jews, Huguenot's, Herrnhut's etc. Most immigrants where particularly appreciated for the craft skills that they brought with them, and the contribution was considerable, helping to introduce new knowledge and ideas.

The immigration has resulted in a variety of different surnames—Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, French, and German surnames etc.— and even if you are of Danish decent it may also be possible that you in some way are connected to one or more of these immigrant groups, of which the group of German origin is the most predominant. Your connection might be revealed as you dig further into your family history and often the distinctive surnames of many of these immigrants may even allow you to trace the family's movements more easily.